2024 Conn Smythe Trophy power rankings: Playoff MVP candidates entering the Conference Finals

We’re now halfway to finding out which team will win the Stanley Cup this year — and, also, which player will win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

When we last looked at the Conn Smythe leaderboard two weeks ago, it went without saying that it was still very early. Now, the herd has started to thin out considerably. We’re down from 16 teams to just four.

As such, the margin for error has become razor-thin. Our new No. 1 candidate just barely edged out the other two players in the top three. The players ranked near the bottom of this list could very easily move up multiple spots with strong Round 3 showings. Players not on this list at all could still make their presence felt.

Here’s a look at the Conn Smythe Trophy power rankings with two rounds still to go in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

1. Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

Rank after first round: 2nd

There’s not much to say about Draisaitl at this point that hasn’t already been said. He certainly isn’t the fastest or most dynamic player, but he’s still one of the most talented scorers in the entire National Hockey League. Through 12 games over the first two rounds against the L.A. Kings and Vancouver Canucks, Draisaitl has racked up eight goals and 24 points. Now, it’s very much worth noting that he’s only had to face Cam Talbot, David Rittich, and Arturs Silovs in net thus far, but Draisaitl is more than capable of scoring against anyone. Give Leon an inch, and he’ll take it. The Oilers are up for an extremely tough test against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, but if Draisaitl manages to beat Jake Oettinger at his current rate, there’s a chance Edmonton could make it all the way.

2. Wyatt Johnston, Dallas Stars

Rank after first round: 3rd

Johnston was outstanding in Round 1 but went a little quieter from a production standpoint in Round 2, although he still managed three goals in six games against a very good Avalanche team. His best performance of the series came in Game 4, when he scored twice and added an assist to kickstart a dominant Stars win on the road. It’s difficult to be too much of a solo act on a Stars team as deep and balanced as this one, but Johnston has managed to stand out like few others in these playoffs. He’s a relentless attacker who takes a ton of shots and can hold his own in all corners of the ice. He may not be a franchise-defining superstar (yet), but Johnston has so much going for him at such a young age — he only just turned 21 eight days ago.